Fragances for Love

There is indeed a lot that a whiff of essential oils can do for your love life. From spiking up libidos to rekindling dormant passions, aromatherapy has been used across centuries and civilizations to nurture the inner romantic. The enchanting Cleopatra probably knew what she was doing when she doused herself and the sails of her ship in Rose essence when she set out to seduce Mark Anthony. Even ancient Romans and Egyptians counted on aromatic baths to make lovemaking more erotic and enjoyable.
Traditions have gradually given way to scientific research and today, we know that olfactory stimuli have a direct effect on the brain’s limbic system, which controls our emotions, moods and sexual drive. This factual piece of information pretty much forms the basis of the billion-dollar perfume industry!

Aromatherapy for Self-Love

It is a well known fact that individuals who make for great lovers are ones who are brimming with positivity, passion and self-confidence. Essential oils work in multiple ways to affect your mood and heighten desire – they may stimulate, sedate or help with physical and emotional factors such as vaginal dryness, body image issues and stress that hamper sexual desire. Wearing certain scents can help people feel more self-assured and cheerful, which reflects in their stance and draws people towards them.
If you are the kind that needs a little push to shed inhibitions and express yourself, the sensuous and euphoric scent of Patchouli Essential Oil can help you come out of your shell and release pent-up emotions. Ylang Ylang, on the other hand, can help warm up your mood when you feel frigid or insecure. The oil also helps dispel negative emotions like jealousy and envy.

Aromatherapy for Relationships

If you feel that a lack of communication and clarity is coming in the way of your romance, the intoxicating scent of Clary Sage can help relieve the buildup of tensions and foster a deeper connection between partners. The oil is also an effective tonic for the female reproductive system as it helps balance out feminine hormones. Similarly, the warm and spicy nature of Cardamom helps clear thoughts and stimulates sexual appetite.

Setting the Stage for Romance

When it comes to love and romance, it helps to invest a little effort in setting up a conducive ambience. “Warming” scents such as Ginger, Cardamom and Cedarwood work perfectly when you want to make your space cozy and inviting.
Ginger is especially helpful during cold winter months when depression and lethargy are more likely to set in. The invigorating aroma of this oil works at a physiological level to improve circulation, relieve aches and boost energy levels.
To introduce an element of fun and playfulness to your lovemaking, try out light, citrusy scents like Mandarin, Grapefruit and Lemon – these are known to enhance emotional wellbeing and infuse positivity in relationships.

Aromatherapy as a Natural Aphrodisiac

Essential oils are believed to balance the body’s chakras (energy centers) and activate the sacral chakra, and is responsible for sexual function. Jasmine Essential Oil is a rare and exotic oil that is also revered as a powerful aphrodisiac. The sharp flowery scent helps fight feelings of listlessness, frigidity and inadequacy while freeing the mind of anxiety and nervousness. Women often experience a significant dip in sexual drive during and after pregnancy. Jasmine is effective in reviving the lost confidence and helps new mothers feel better about themselves and their bodies.
Any talk of love and romance is rather incomplete without a mention of Rose, which has come to symbolize the emotion and everything associated with it. The gentle, comforting scent of Rose essential oil invokes feelings of sensuousness and makes women feel more self-assured about their feminine beauty.

How to Use Essential Oils?

There are several ways in which you can use aromatic oils to add spice to your romantic interludes:

Use a traditional aromatherapy burner or plug in an electric diffuser for an instant pick-me-up.

If you wish to take things a notch higher, spice up your evening by offering your partner a sensual aromatherapy massage with a blend of essential oils. The intimate body contact will not only facilitate the flow of sexual energy but will also relieve stress, boost circulation and induce a state of relaxation. Mix 1 drop of Patchouli essential oil, 3 drops of Ylang Ylang essential oil and 2 drops of Orange essential oil in any carrier oil to concoct your own love potion. Be sure to massage the ankles, feet and hands as these are sensitive areas that can heighten sexual arousal. If a massage sounds like too much work, slip into a warm aromatic bath infused with sea salts and a blend of essential oils with your partner.

You may also sprinkle a few drops of your chosen essential oil on your bed linen and soak in the fragrance as you revel in your special moments.